The Traditional Latin Tridentine Mass Returns.

Thanks to the efforts begun by John Paul the Great and continued by Benedict XVI, the 1962 version of the Latin rite of the Roman Catholic Mass is finally beginning to gain back the recognition that it always deserved, and which previously was virtually eliminated, not by the Vatican II Fathers, but by the Vatican II “periti” – the Council “experts.” The more current descriptive term for them is Liturgists.

By way of explanation of why we should even need to explain and describe the traditional Latin Mass, we need to look at the horrific tale of how it almost disappeared completely from the American Catholic scene, and perhaps even from the world. Go to the Catholic Liturgical Reform page to see a brief history of what happened to our Catholic liturgy, and then return here. The one item of vital importance to note here is this: despite the concerted efforts of multiple liberal bishops and thundering herds of Catholic liturgists, the Traditional Latin Tridentine Mass was never abrogated or repealed by the One Holy Roman Catholic Church. It has always remained valid. It remains the most thoroughly consistent Liturgical form in the Catholic Church today.

But I don’t know Latin is the typical whine of the New Order aficionado. Well, Latin certainly helps, and I wish we all, myself included, were fluent in Latin. I don’t know Latin either. We can all follow along with an English-Latin Missal or with an abbreviated English-Latin Mass pamphlet. Once you become familiarized with the form and flow of the Mass, after you have participated a number of times, you will be able to put the reading material down and pay attention to the priest’s activities.

You know full well Who is up there in that tabernacle. If you’ve attended the Novus Ordo Mass enough times, you know what’s going on in the traditional Latin Tridentine Mass. You know the Confiteor, in English. You know what Gloria in Excelsis means. You know the Creed, and you will come to silently recite it when the Priest and Acolytes are praying the Credo. You know the Lord’s Prayer, and you will come to pray it when the Priest is praying the Pater Noster. You know full well what’s happening when the priest raises the Host, and when he raises the Cup. And you know, or you should know, that the priest is offering prayers for you; that’s a major part of his job, to which his entire life is committed. He needs to know Latin; his acolytes (servers) need to know Latin. The Choir needs to know Latin. It would be preferable if we all knew Latin, but, bottom line, we do not need to know Latin to pray the traditional Latin Tridentine Mass.

I know for a fact that there are lots and lots of people like me out there who don’t really know Latin, but we can sing O Salutarus and Tantum Ergo all the way through, and who can manage to stumble our way through Expositions and Benedictions without visual aids. Here’s the important thing: the priest and the servers and the choir are the chief audible participants; the Mass will go on efficaciously if some of us, or even all of us, do not sing or say the audible responses.

Go, as often as you can. Who knows? In time, you may be recognizing the Credo and the Pater Noster without the use of your Missal.

Despite anything you might have heard from any Liturgists, there are major portions of the Mass, particularly the longer prayers of the priest, that do not need your accompaniment and undivided attention. It is not a mortal sin for you to pray your own prayers, or even to have a (shudder!) Rosary in your hands. However, I predict that once you have attended a certain number of times and become familiar, beginning with following along with English printed material as a guide, that you will begin to pray the entire Mass, in your own way, perhaps with a Missal or other guide, or without it. Everyone is a little different. Learn Latin if you can. If you can’t, don’t let that stop you from attending the Latin Mass.

You will come to realize, in the beauty, the humility, the majesty and the continuous Glory To God nature of this Mass, that, this is the way God should be treated. This web page is intended to help you familiarize with the order and flow of prayers in the traditional Latin Tridentine Mass, so that you won’t be just sitting there wondering what the heck is going on.

I promise you, no one is going to hit you or hurt you if you sit or kneel at the wrong time, or you miss-pronounce something, or if you remain silent.

The Mass Of All The Ages

The development of the Latin rite Mass is traced through a series of links in an unbroken chain beginning with very first mass given by Christ 2,000 years ago at the Last Supper. Beginning with that fateful evening, on every single day that has passed since then, this same offering has been done. It’s been done millions of times for billions of people, just as He commanded.

The Traditional Latin Mass of today is essentially unchanged since the Council of Trent, five centuries ago. Some elements are derived from Jewish customs dating back to pre-Apostolic times, and other parts were developed by Church Fathers and various Saints and Popes. Pope Saint Gregory the Great instituted the Greek Kyrie Eleison and Sacred Chant during his reign. The vestments have changed little since they were developed during ancient Roman empire.

The traditional Latin Tridentine Mass has been quite accurately described as "the most beautiful thing this side of heaven."

Traditional Latin Tridentine Mass Altar

The traditional Latin Tridentine Mass is offered on an altar, which is Latin for "high place." The right side of the altar, as you face it, is the Epistle side, and the left side is the Gospel side. An altar stone containing relics or images of Saints is imbedded in the front of the altar. On the center-rear of the altar table is the tabernacle, which is Latin for "small inn." The most blessed sacrament of the altar is stored in the tabernacle. A sanctuary lamp burns at all times signifying that our Lord Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul and Divinity, is present in the tabernacle. There is a crucifix on or over the altar, behind and/or above the tabernacle, that is large enough and positioned so as to be clearly visible to everyone in the church. Two beeswax candles (more than two for more solemn high Masses) on left and right light the altar area. The beeswax represents the purity of our Lord’s body, and the candle flame represents His soul. The altar is covered with three linen cloths; the top cloth hangs to the floor. The altar cloths absorb and catch any of the sacred species which may fall or spill. The altar cloths remind us of the wrapping of our Lord's body in the tomb of Resurrection. Relics and images of saints may also adorn the altar background area.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassIntroduction

On Sundays before the principal Mass the church and congregation are sprinkled with holy water, in The Asperges.

After the sanctuary lights and altar candles are lit, the bell is rung and the priest approaches the altar. He carries the veiled chalice and the paten containing the unconsecrated host. He places the chalice on the center of the altar, and the Missal to the right (Epistle) side, with colored markers or ribbons pre-set to indicate the changeable sections for that day's Mass.

The priest makes the first sign of the cross, symbolizing that this Mass is to be offered in the name of The Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The sign of the cross will be repeated over 50 times through the course of the Mass.

Psalm 42 is sung during the Mass of the Catechumens (the first part of the Mass) who will mark their spiritual rebirth by being baptized on Easter Sunday.

C. forth from the Temple from the right side, alleluia: and all those were saved to whom that water came, and they shall say alleluia, alleluia. Give praise to the Lord, for he is good,: for His mercy endureth forever.

P. Let us pray. Hear us Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God; and graciously send Your Holy Angel from heaven to watch over, to cherish, to protect, to abide with, and to defend all who dwell in this house. Through Christ our Lord.

S. Amen

S. Amen.

Traditional Latin Tridentine Mass Beginswith Mass of the Catechumens

(At the foot of the altar)

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.

P. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.

S. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

P. Introibo ad altare Dei.

P. I will go to the altar of God.

S. Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.

S. To God, the joy of my youth.

P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

P. Our help + is in the Name of the Lord.

S. Qui fecit coelum et terram.

S. Who made heaven and earth.

Traditional Latin Tridentine Mass Confiteor

As culpable sinners, none of us (including our priest) are worthy of the mercy of our Lord and Judge Jesus Christ. In humble adoration, we give thanks and express deep sorrow for all of our shortcomings, and we humbly ask Him to watch over and keep us, as our Father.

As Christians we know that for God there is little differentiation between this world and the next, and that the saints in Heaven and the souls in Purgatory exist within His creation just the same as we exist in His creation here on earth. We are therefore just as much in communion with them as we are with those remaining here with us on earth.

We humbly ask for their prayers for us, even as we pray for them and for each other.

P. I confess to Almighty God, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to Blessed Michael the Archangel, to Blessed John the Baptist, to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the angels and saints, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, deed. (He strikes his breast three times saying) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault, and I ask Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Blessed Michael the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Angels and Saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

S. I confess to Almighty God, to Blessed Mary ever Virgin, to Blessed Michael the Archangel, to Blessed John the Baptist, to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the angels and saints, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, deed. (Strike your breast three times saying) through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault, and I ask Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Blessed Michael the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Angels and Saints, and you Father, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

P. We beseech You, O Lord, by the merits of Your Saints whose relics lie here, and of all the Saints, deign in your mercy to pardon me all my sins. Amen.

(If this is a high Mass (which is sung) the priest incenses the altar praying the following.)

P: May this incense be blessed by Him in Whose honor it is to be burned. Amen.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassIntroit

The word "Introit" means to introduce, or to enter. The Introit is a Psalm that introduces the mass for the particular day; it varies with the liturgical calendar. The Introit has its roots in the Psalms that were sung by choirs as the procession of priests and clergy would enter the church, beginning the mass of the as yet un-baptized catechumens.

From the Epistle (right) side of the altar, the priest reads the specific Introit for the specific Mass being celebrated that day. After he is done he concludes with "Glory be to the Father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit Amen", and then he proceeds to the middle of the altar.

(Amen is taken from the Hebrew term meaning "may it be as prayed".)

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassKyrie

KYRIE ELEISON (Lord have mercy)

Kyrie eleison (pronounced kee-ree-ay ay-layee-son) is Greek for "Lord have Mercy", and "Christe eleison" is Greek for "Christ have mercy". It is a prayer for redemption which dates to very early Byzantine Greek masses. In the Western (Latin) Church it dates back 16 centuries to the era of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who was a major influence and instrument of God in the conversion of Europe, and in the development of “chant” and much of our sacred music.

From the middle of the altar the priest says, alternating with the server(s):

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

S. Kyrie eleison.

S. Lord, have mercy.

P. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

S. Christe eleison.

S. Christ, have mercy.

P. Christe eleison.

P. Christ, have mercy.

S. Christe eleison.

S. Christ, have mercy.

P. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

S. Kyrie eleison.

S. Lord, have mercy.

P. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassGloria

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

After our plea for mercy "Glory in the Highest" reflects our joy and praise, originating from the song of the angels on the night Jesus was born.

The priest then turns and says in Latin, "The Lord be with you", to which the response is "and with your spirit." This was the ancient way that Christians greeted each other. The Gloria is omitted for penitential seasons, Masses for the dead and certain other Masses.

Standing at the middle of the altar, the priest extends and joins his hands,
Makes a slight bow says:

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P. Gloria in exceslis Deo.

P. Glory to God in the highest.

The priest concludes the Gloria below and sits while the choir sings it.

C. And on earth peace to people of good will. We praise You. We bless You. We worship You. We glorify You. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty. Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. You who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.. You who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. You who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For You alone are holy. You alone are Lord. You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the Glory of God the Father. Amen.

Turning toward the people, the priest says:

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P. Dominus Vobiscum.

P. May the Lord be with you.

S. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with your Spirit.

P. Oremus.

P. Let us pray.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassCollect

THE PRAYER FOR THE DAY OR "COLLECT"

Origination: In the very early days of the Church, Christian worshipers and clergy would form processions that would proceed to various churches where the local people would gather known as the ecclesia collect (church assembly) to conduct mass. At these masses, a community prayer with specific intentions was offered. The Collect is usually a short prayer or series of prayers that vary depending on the day or instruction from the Holy See or a bishop.

The Epistle or "letter" is usually taken from one of Saint Paul's or another of the letters written by the original twelve apostles to the faithful following the death and resurrection of our Lord. The Epistle and Gospel are first read in Latin at the altar, then more loudly in the vernacular from the pulpit just before the sermon or Homily.

After the Epistle and before the Gospel priest recites the Gradual, Tract, and/or the Sequence for the day if required in the propers for the day's feast. The Gradual is a short prayer or Psalm that relates to the preceding Epistle. The tract is also usually from Psalms and replaces the Alleluja during Lent. The Sequence or "following out" is the last of these short prayers.

We stand and remain standing during the word of our Lord or "Gospel" (from the Anglo Saxon word "godspell"). In early times, an entire book from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John was read or sung entirely. Instead of being read in order, the Gospel readings are now suited to the feast or Mass of that day.

The Nicene Creed was first developed during the Council of Nicea in the year 325 AD. As Catholics, the Credo is our faithful declaration of commitment to the word of God and our church. In early Masses the doors were shut and locked while the Catechumens took this solemn oath before baptism and then again after first communion.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassEpistle

At the Epistle (right) side of the altar, the priest reads the Epistle from the Mass he is celebrating, after which the server says:

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

S. Deo gratias.

S. Thanks be to God.

Gradual, Tract, Sequence

Here the Gradual is sung by the schola, while the preparation for the Gospel occurs (the server moves the Missal from the Epistle (right) side of the altar to the Gospel (left) side of the altar). The Alleluia, and Sequence Paschale victimae in the Easter Vigil, Veni, sancte Spiritus on Pentecost, Lauda Sion on Corpus Christi, Stabat Mater on Our Lady of Sorrows, Dies Irae on All Souls and in requiem and Funeral Masses. In Lent and at Masses for the dead the Alleluia is omitted and a tract sung instead.

Before reading the Gospel, the priest (or the deacon) returns to the center, bows down, joins his hands, and says:

C. I believe in one God, The Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God. Born of the Father before all ages. God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God. Begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father. By whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. (here all present kneel) And became incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary: AND WAS MADE MAN. (here all arise) He was also crucified for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, and who spoke through the prophets. And one holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I await the resurrection of the dead and the life + of the world to come. Amen.

P. Dominus vobiscum.

P. May the Lord be with you.

S. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with your spirit.

P. Oremus.

P. Let us pray.

At this point the Mass of the Catechumens ends, and the Mass of thd Faithful continues. In the ancient Church the Catechumens (those who had not yet received First Communion) were dismissed here.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassOffertory

The Offertory Verse

The priest reads the prayer, which makes an offering of the unconsecrated bread and wine (offertory) to God for the Mass. He then asks the Lord to please accept (suscipe) our offering, despite our unworthiness, for all Christians, living and dead.

In the ancient Church, worshipers would proceed to the altar bringing gifts of food, gold and other property.

The unleavened wheaten bread is specially prepared and the wine, red or white, is fermented purely and naturally. It is mixed, with prayer, with a small amount of water as Christ did at the last supper. His blood also came forth mixed with water when He died on the cross. To keep out dust, the chalice is cleaned before and covered after pouring the water and wine into it while reciting a prayer.

Offertory Verse: The Offertory Antiphon is sung while the priest begins the prayers.

Offertory Prayers: Prayers are said in a low voice while the Choir sings the Verse.

P. Accept, O Holy Father, Almighty and eternal God, this spotless host, which I, your unworthy servant, offer to You, my living and true God, to atone for my numberless sins, offenses and negligences; on behalf of all here present and likewise for all faithful Christians living and dead, that it may profit me and them as a means of salvation to life everlasting.

P. O God, + who established the nature of man in wondrous dignity, and still more admirably restored it, grant that by the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in His Divinity, who humbled himself to share in our humanity, Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

P. We offer You, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, humbly begging of Your mercy that it may arise before Your divine Majesty, with a pleasing fragrance, for our salvation and for that of the whole world. Amen.

P. Through the intercession of Blessed Michael the Archangel, standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all His elect may the Lord vouchsafe to bless + this incense and to receive it in the odor of sweetness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

P. Let my prayer, O Lord, come like incense before You; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. O Lord, set a watch before my mouth, a guard at the door of my lips. Let not my heart incline to the evil of engaging in deeds of wickedness.

P. May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love and the flame of everlasting charity. Amen.

At this point, the celebrant, the ministers, the servers, and the people are censed, in that order.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassLavabo

The Lavabo

Lava: Latin for for wash (or bathe.) In the ancient church the priest would clean his hands after receiving gifts of oil, food and other goods. In the past it has been symbolic of Pilate washing his hands of Jesus' blood.

The priest then begins to recite Psalm 26 with "I shall wash" while the server pours water from a cruet over his fingers. He then prays the Gloria Patria and moves to the center of the altar and recites the seventh offertory prayer, in which he asks the Holy Trinity to accept our sacrifice in commemoration of our Lord's passion and resurrection and in remembrance of our Blessed Virgin Mother and the saints.

Going to the Epistle (right) side of the altar, the priest washes his fingers and says:

P. I wash my hands in innocence, and I go around Your altar, O Lord, giving voice to my thanks, and recounting all Your wondrous deeds. O Lord, I love the house in which You dwell, the tenting place of Your glory. Gather not my soul with those of sinners, nor with men of blood my life. On their hands are crimes, and their right hands are full of bribes. But I walk in integrity; redeem me, and have pity on me My foot stands on level ground; in the assemblies I will bless You, O Lord.

P. Accept, most Holy Trinity, this offering which we are making to You in remembrance of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, Our Lord; and in honor of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Blessed John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of (name of the Saints whose relics are in the Altar) and of all the Saints; that it may add to their honor and aid our salvation; and may they deign to intercede in heaven for us who honor their memory here on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord.

S. May the Lord receive the Sacrifice from your hands to the praise and glory of His Name, for our good, and that of all His holy Church.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassSecret Prayer

With his hands extended, the priest says the Secret prayers.

Preface:

"Per ominia saecula saeculorum" (forever and ever) begins the preface where we give thanks and praise to God. It concludes with The Sanctus, a prayer of union with the heavenly hosts and of adoration of the most "Holy, Holy, Holy" triune God.

Most often the Preface will be The Preface of the Most Holy Trinity (below) unless another is substituted, such as the Preface of the Nativity or the Preface of the Epiphany.

P: It is truly meet and just, right and profitable, for us, at all times, and in all places, to give thanks to Thee, O Lord, the holy One, the Father almighty, the everlasting God: Who, together with Thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost, art one God, one Lord, not in the singleness of one Person, but in the Trinity of one substance. For that which, according to Thy revelation, we believe of Thy glory, the same we believe of Thy Son, the same of the Holy Ghost, without difference or distinction; so that in the confession of one true and eternal Godhead we adore distinctness in persons, oneness in essence, and equality in majesty: Which the angels praise, and the archangels, the cherubim also and the seraphim, who cease not, day by day crying out with one voice to repeat:

P: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. The heavens and the earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassCanon Of The Mass

Canon translates to "measuring stick" in Greek. It starts with the three remembrances: first, for the church in which we ask God to accept and bless our gifts through His Son Jesus Christ; second, for the living, in which we pray for for protection and peace in His Church; third, offering up to to God those offering the Mass, including all those present, the angels and saints, and our Blessed Mother.

The priest then begins the offering prayer (Hanc Igitur) of the Mass while holding his hands over the chalice with his thumbs overlapped in a cross, representing the sins of the world that Christ took upon Himself. In times before the new and everlasting covenant, a similar gesture was made over the Lambs and other victims of sacrifice at the altar of God.>

P: Therefore, we humbly pray and beseech Thee, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Our Lord, to receive and to bless these `†´ gifts, these `†´ presents, these `†´ holy unspotted sacrifices, which we offer up to Thee, in the first place, for Thy holy Catholic Church, that it may please Thee to grant her peace, to guard, unite, and guide her, throughout the world: as also for Thy servant N., our Pope, and N., our Bishop, and for all who are orthodox in belief and who profess the Catholic and apostolic faith.

P: Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants, N. and N., and of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known to Thee, for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee, this sacrifice of praise, for themselves, their families, and their friends, for the salvation of their souls and the health and welfare they hope for, and who now pay their vows to Thee, God eternal, living, and true.

P: Having communion with and venerating the memory, first, of the glorious Mary, ever a virgin, mother of Jesus Christ, our God and our Lord: likewise {of blessed Joseph, spouse of the same virgin} of Thy blessed apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus; of Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy saints: for the sake of whose merits and prayers do Thou grant that in all things we may be defended by the help of Thy protection. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

P: Wherefore, we beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to receive this oblation which we Thy servants, and with us Thy whole family, offer up to Thee: dispose our days in Thy peace; command that we be saved from eternal damnation and numbered among the flock of Thine elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Quam Oblationem

<>The bell is rung once before this invocative prayer leading up to the consecration, asking Him once more to bless what we offer here.

P: And do Thou, O God, vouchsafe in all respects to bless `†´, consecrate `†´, and approve `†´ this our oblation, to perfect it and render it well-pleasing to Thyself, so that it may become for us the body `†´ and blood `†´ of Thy most beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassConsecration Of The Host

The priest repeats the what our Lord told us during the last supper on the night before he suffered and died. At the moment the words "took bread" are spoken, he takes the host into his hands and makes the sign of the cross as he says " blessed it".

P: Who, the day before He suffered, took bread into His holy and venerable hands, and having lifted up His eyes to heaven, to Thee, God, His almighty Father, giving thanks to Thee, blessed it `†´, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take ye and eat ye all of this:

The priest then bends over the Host and, standing in persona Christi, makes this most solemn pronouncement:

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM.

FOR THIS IS MY BODY.

Then the priest adores and elevates the now Sacred Host High enough for everyone to see, and the bell is rung.

P: In like manner, after He had supped, taking also into His holy and venerable hands this goodly chalice again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed it `†´, and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take ye, and drink ye all of this:

The priest then bends over the Chalice and, standing in persona Christi, makes this most solemn pronouncement:

FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING TESTAMENT, THE MYSTERY OF FAITH, WHICH FOR YOU AND FOR MANY SHALL BE SHED UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS.

P: Haec quotiescumque feceritis in mei memoriam facietis.

P: As often as ye shall do these things, ye shall do them in memory of Me.

The priest then adores and elevates the now Sacred Cup high enough for everyone to see, and the bell is rung.

Salvation History Recalled

In the following prayer, Christ's Passion is called to mind as well as his Resurrection and Ascension. Then follows a prayer asking that God accept our sacrifice as he did in pre-Christian times for Abel, Abraham and Melchisedech. Their sacrifices were pleasing to the Lord for various reasons. Abel because he offered himself as a good servant, Abraham because he was willing to give what was most dear to him and Melchisedech because his was given with thanks. The word "Eucharist" is Greek for "thanksgiving". Also called to remembrance are our martyrs, sinners and the dead.

P: Wherefore, O Lord, we, Thy servants, as also Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed passion of the same Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, His resurrection from the grave, and His glorious ascension into heaven, offer up to Thy most excellent majesty of Thine own gifts bestowed upon us, a victim `†´ which is pure, a victim `†´ which is stainless, the holy bread `†´ of life everlasting, and the chalice `†´ of eternal salvation.

P: Vouchsafe to look upon them with a gracious and tranquil contenance, and to accept them, even as Thou wast pleased to accept the offerings of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of Abraham, our patriarch, and that which Melchisedech, Thy high priest, offered up to Thee, a holy sacrifice, a victim without blemish.

P: We humbly beseech Thee, almighty God, to command that these our offerings be borne by the hands of Thy holy angel to Thine altar on high in the presence of Thy divine Majesty; that as many of us as shall receive the most sacred `†´ Body and `†´ Blood of Thy Son by partaking thereof from this altar may be filled with every heavenly blessing and grace: Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

P: To us sinners, also, Thy servants, who put our trust in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy apostles and martyrs; with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and with all Thy saints. Into their company do Thou, we beseech Thee, admit us, not weighing our merits, but freely pardoning our offenses: through Christ our Lord.

P: Through Him `†´, and with Him `†´, and in Him `†´, is to Thee, god the Father `†´ almighty, in the unity of the Holy `†´ Ghost, all honor and glory.

The priest then raises his voice and says:

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P: Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

P: World without end. Amen.

The Pater Noster

The "Our Father" is the prayer of the faithful which our Lord Jesus Christ taught His Apostles when they asked Him how they should pray. The priest follows it with a prayer for our deliverance and protection.

P: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.

P: Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come: and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, ever a virgin, Mother of God, and of Thy holy apostles Peter and Paul, of Andrew, and of all the saints, graciously grant peace in our days, that through the help of Thy bountiful mercy we may always be free from sin and secure from all disturbance.

P: May this commingling and consecrating of the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ avail us who receive it unto life everlasting. Amen.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassLamb Of God (Agnus Dei)

Throughout both Testaments of the Bible our Lord is referred to in prophecy and in fact as the "Lamb of God". Before the New and Everlasting Covenant, lambs were used for sacrificial offerings. As humans would sacrifice lambs, God Himself graciously gave us His only Son as a sacrifice for our redemption.

Three prayers follow the Agnus Dei, preceeding the Communion prayer, which is based on the Roman centurion's plea for Christ to heal his ill servant.

P: Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: grant us peace.

P: O Lord Jesus Christ Who
didst say to Thine apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give you: look not uon my sins, but upon the faith of Thy Church, and vouchsafe to grant her peace and unity according to Thy will: Who livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

P: O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who, according to the will of the Father, through the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, hast by Thy death given life to the world: deliver me by this Thy most Sacred Body and Blood from all my iniquities, and from every evil; make me always cleave to Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from Thee, Who with the same God, the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

P: Let not the partaking of Thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I, all unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgement and condemnation; but through Thy loving kindness may it be to me a safeguard and remedy for soul and body; Who, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, God, world without end. Amen.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassThe Communion

The priest genuflects, rises and says:

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P: Panem coelestem accipiam et nomen Domini invocabo.

P: I will take the bread of heaven, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

Taking the Sacred Host with his left hand, the priest repeats this prayer three times, strikes his breast each of the three times, and the bell is rung each of the three times.

P: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed. (three times)

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassCommunion of the Faithful

The consecrated bread and wine are now in substance the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The priest has placed a small piece of the consecrated Host into the Chalice and prayed that those who receive it may have eternal life.

He recited the Agnus Dei which - as prophesized from the Old Testament to Revelations - signifies Jesus Christ our only Redeemer as being the sacrificial lamb of God. Then he repeated the prayer of the Roman centurion who wanted to show his faith that Christ could heal his sick servant.

As the priest places a Host directly from the paten into the mouth of each communicant, he prays for life everlasting.

To continue -

Holding the Sacred Host in his right hand, the priest makes the sign of
the cross with it and says:

P: What shall I render unto the Lord for all the things that He hath rendered unto me? I will take the chalice of salvation and will call upon the name of the Lord. With high praises will I call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from all mine enemies.

The priest takes the Chalice in his right hand and makes the sign of the
cross, saying:

P: May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have received, and Thy Blood which I have drunk cleave to mine inmost parts: and do Thou grant that no stain of sin remain in me, whom pure and holy mysteries have refreshed: Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

The Communion Prayer

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P: Dominus vobiscum.

P: May the Lord be with you.

S: Et cum spiritu tuo.

S: And with thy spirit.

At the Epistle side, the priest recites the Communion Prayer appropriate for the Mass being celebrated.

The Post-Communion

from the Epistle (right) side of the altar, the priest recites the appropriate Post-communion prayer for the Mass being celebrated.

The post communion prayers change from day to day as do the communion prayers. The Latin derivation of the phrase "Ite missa est" denotes that we are sent on our mission to spread the Gospel, as Christ instructed His apostles before the ascension.

The priest returns to the center, kisses the altar, turns toward the people says:

ORDO MISSAE

ORDINARY OF THE MASS

P: Dominus vobiscum.

P: The Lord be with you.

S: Et cum spiritu tuo.

S: And with thy spirit.

P: Ite, missa est.

P: Go, the mass is ended.

S: Deo gratias.

S: Thanks be to God.

The priest bows over the altar and recites the following prayer which is known as the "Placeat", which summarizes the intention of the entire mass.

P: May the lowly homage of my service be pleasing to Thee, O most holy Trinity: and do Thou grant that the sacrifice which I, all unworthy, have offered up in the sight of Thy majesty, may be acceptable to Thee, and, because of Thy loving kindness, may avail to atone to Thee for myself and for all those for whom I have offered it up. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassThe Blessing

The priest kisses the altar, and at the word "Pater", turns toward the people, blesses them, saying:

P: May almighty God, the Father, and the Son `†´, and the Holy Ghost, bless you.

S: Amen.

S: Amen.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassThe Last Gospel

Now said in full at the altar, the Last Gospel was once a private prayer the priest would recite to himself as he went from the altar to the sacristy. Although most priests know it by heart, there is always a large card with the full text in its place on the altar.

During certain feasts, there may be a special Last Gospel but usually it will be the first fourteen verses from the Gospel of Saint John.

The priest now goes to the Gospel (left) side of the altar; he makes the sign of the cross, first upon the altar, and then upon his forehead, lips, and heart, and then he reads the Last Gospel:

P: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave great power to become the sons of God: to them that believe in His name: who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And (Here all genuflect) THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, and we saw His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

S: Deo gratias.

S: Thanks be to God.

Traditional Latin Tridentine MassPrayers after Low Mass

After Low Mass, the priest kneels at the altar steps and says the folowing prayers with the people:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. (Repeat three times.)

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.

P: Let us pray. O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with favor upon Thy people who cry to Thee; and through the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of her spouse, blessed Joseph, of Thy holy apostles, Peter and Paul, and all the saints, mercifully and graciously hear the prayers which we pour forth to Thee for the conversion of sinners and for the liberty and exaltation of holy mother Church. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. We humbly beseech God to command him. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the divine power thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

The Invocation after Mass

P: Cor Jesu sacratissimum,

P: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

S: Miserere nobis.

S: Have mercy on us!

(Repeat three times.)

(Repeat three times.)

What this page attempts to capture in some small way is the invaluable, golden treasure of the Latin Liturgy that we almost lost, and that so many of today's Catholics have never even seen. That it came so close to completely disappearing should be a shocking warning to all of our brothers in the various Catholic Eastern Rites in full communion with Rome, and to our separated brothers in the Eastern, Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches that are not in full communion with Rome. If you have ever witnessed first hand, or seen on TV, any Mass of any of these ancient Christian confessions, then you know what I'm talking about: Sheer Majesty in Liturgy. Liturgical beauty, so glorious and majestic that it can bring a grown man to tears.

This is what we almost lost, and it needs to be re-recognized by today’s laymen as possibly the most glorious and inspirational Earthly thing existing today. It has been the primary source and inspiration of the greatest classical art ever produced, and of the greatest classical music ever written. Nothing in this world today can be as consistently uplifting of the human spirit as the ancient Latin Mass, or any of the Eastern Rite variants. It is not possible to properly glorify God, praise Him and give Him thanks, as is done in this Liturgy, without simultaneously lifting our own spirits to new heights.

The most important part of the Mass – actual, physical Communion with Divinity Himself – is put into most proper human perspective when surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the ancient forms of the Mass.

May it continue to survive all non-magisterial attempts to “tone it down” or “improve” or “reform” it, and may it continue to be the Church’s most valuable tool of inspiration and evangelization.

=====

Sarcastic Acronym Hover-Link Footnotes: For the convenience of those readers using devices that lack a mouse, these footnotes are provided for all webpages, in case any webpage contains any hover-links. (If you don't have a mouse, you can't "hover" it over a link without clicking just to see the simple acronym interpretation. Click a footnote link to see the gory details.)

That was just a little sarcasm, aimed at Liberal Liturgists, including some of my teachers in the Athenaeum of Ohio LPMP program, who were horrified, horrified, at the thought that, once upon a time, laymen were seen actually praying the rosary in the pews during Mass. Some used this as evidence that people were not really paying attention, and participating in the liturgy as much as the Liberal Liturgists insisted that we all should. This is to say, every single second of the Mass. It is my contention that full attention is not an absolute requirement during the longer prayers of the priest, which, after all, are said by him on our behalf.

Just in case there’s no Latin Mass offered where you’re scheduled to go, general Mass times and places may be found at this link:

http://www.masstimes.org/dotnet/Default.aspx
(I just discovered the above link is no longer operable, so I changed it to a cut-and-paste link.)

If you have a portable GPS, just put the address in and it will take you right there. Give thanks to the Lord that you have a rent-a-car or other transportation to get you there. When I was driving “over-the-road” there was no way that I could get a big truck into the small neighborhoods where almost all of these Churches are located, nor could I get a legal place to park, or even room to turn around without severely damaging blacktop. Contrary to popular belief, churches cannot always send someone out to bring you to Mass from some truck stop or rest area, on short notice.

A trucker cannot leave his truck or cargo unattended except for very short times; even meals should be within sight of the rig. We cannot drop a trailer and “bobtail” (driving tractor only) because that puts the trailer and cargo at risk. Drivers sleep on their trucks, and some of us even eat on our trucks.

I give thanks to God every day now that I’m driving for a company that gets me home every day, and that I’m off every weekend. Besides missing many major family events – funerals, weddings, reunions, holidays – I missed Mass almost every Sunday, and every Holy Day. Attending the various Protestant services and Bible study groups available at a lot of truck stops just didn’t satisfy my Catholic hunger for Catholic Sacrament, Eucharist and Liturgy. Now, I feel like a real Catholic again.

At a lot Churches offering the Latin Mass, often the Latin Mass will be only one of several Masses offered that day, and sometimes there is only one (or none) on non-Sunday Holy Days. I pray that your work schedule won’t conflict with Mass times. Do your very best; He understands.

The rosary is a private devotion. The Mass always has the proverbial trump card in priority and in importance.

It is not a matter of right or wrong, but one similar to the Mary-Martha conundrum: While one was busy doing her thing, the other was giving her full attention to Christ who is present.

Praying the rosary or any other devotional is basically saying that the presence of Christ is not as important.

Date: Thu Jul 16 19:51:42 2009
From: Vic Biorseth
Comment:

JEdwin:

Agreed.

To rather poorly paraphrase an old TV series, there are eight million Catholics in the Naked City; and every one of them is a little bit different.

One who prays poorly may be better off than one who prays not at all. One who attends Mass poorly may be better off than one who is not present. One who thinks about holy things may be better off than one who denies Divinity. I wish everyone would pray perfectly, but I’ll take what I can get.

For all I know, some of these who are (or who appear to be) poor at prayer may wind up in a higher place than me.

Please, where can I find a site, cd, anything audio, to pronounce the Latin responses. I must teach my sons this true Mass it's so beautiful. We attend "Christ the King " in Sarasota, Florida with FSSP Priest's. Thank you.

Date: Mon Aug 03 06:21:21 2009
From: Vic Biorseth
Comment:

Richard:
Google “teaching Latin audio” or “learn Latin audio” and you should get a lot of hits.

This is the most Blessed Gift of the return of the "Latin Mass" and we are so Blessed here in the "Diocese of Venice" with the support of Bishop Frank J Dewane to have an all Latin Mass Church "Christ the King" with F.S.S.P. Priest's in Sarasota, Florida and spreading through out the Diocese. Thank you Bishop Dewane may God Bless you abundantly.

This is truly a great explanation of the Latin Mass. Thank you so much for writing it down on this site. Here is a link to a group of priests who are performing the traditional Latin Mass throughout the U.S, Europe and in Gabon Africa:

I attend Latin Mass at St. Francis de Sales in St. Louis MO. The music is so beautiful I am forced to hold back tears. I became Catholic when I was 18 and was unaware of this form of Mass. It was not until I was 25 that I discovered the Latin Mass. Now, at age 27, I can say I was truly missing out. If you are ever in St. Louis you should come and check out this mass. They have 2 French sisters who live in the convent next to the Rectory. At adoration they sing in front of the blessed Sacrament and it is so beautiful.

Date: Fri Jan 29 06:11:05 2010
From: Vic Biorseth
Comment:

Nicole:

We know what you mean. Any time we are in the St. Louis area we will find St Frances de Sales. We attended Christmas Midnight Mass in Michigan last year, at Assumption Grotto Church in Detroit, and it was an orchestral Mass, this one by Handl.

There is nothing in this world more glorious than the Latin Liturgy properly offered in a grand, majestic, architectural masterpiece, with a full orchestra participating. All the old masters wrote Masses; our favorite (so far) has been Beethoven’s Mass in D.

I am blessed to be able to attend a TLM each Sunday. I agree that we do not need to know Latin to pray the traditional Latin Tridentine Mass. I can say, though, that I enjoy being able to understand some Latin. A fantastic (clear, easy to follow) DVD program is Latina Christiana from Memoria Press: http://www.memoriapress.com/descriptions/Latina1.htmlThe program is specifically oriented to teach "Christian Latin" (Church/ Ecclesiastical Latin), which differs in pronunciation from Classical Latin.

I have done LCI and LCII for homeschooling purposes (each is a semester class), and I can now follow along with the Latin side of the missal quite well. I think that even doing LCI alone would be very helpful.

Can you PLEASE tell me what is the source for the series of vintage illustrations of the Mass (The Mass Begins, Epistle, etc.)? They are fantastic and would like to know where they came from so I may try to find it for purchase.

EVER THANKS!

Date: Mon Mar 25 20:10:24 2013From: Vic BiorsethComment:

Prissy:

Good question! And now I wish I could answer it. Once upon a time, before I converted this page to the newest SBI! version, I think there were some three or four reference links at the bottom of the page before the link to the site references; somehow they got lost, either in the conversion or in some previous update. Now I can't find the original sources for the Latin, the English and the vintage imagery; perhaps those sites are not up any more. There were no copyrights attached, and any printed Missal(s) they originally came out of are way out of copyright and long out of print.

The "vintage" ones in particular caught my eye when I originally encountered them on-line, because I remember seeing them, or pictures just like them, in an old either Missal, or a Mass instruction document - I don't remember which - that I had when I was a boy. (I no longer have it.) My wife's oldest Missal is one she got for graduation in 1963, and it is a St. Joseph's Missal, with the "recently updated rubrics" of 1961. It has similar pictures, but not nearly as nice, and without the little subtitles below.

We have another very old children's illustrated Bible; nice pictures, but not any of these.

I just searched using Bing and Google, and didn't find them, or any of the sites I got them off of.

If you want them for a website or a blog, I'll be happy to sell them to you for the low low price of $0.00; use them in good health. If you want the original book they came out of, you will have to somehow search old vintage bookstores for old Missals, or maybe old Catechism texts. You might talk to older family members; there might be one sitting in an attic somewhere. If you find one, please let me know where.

Thanks for your work on this - very informative especially for those of us who have not attended a Latin Mass for quite some time. I have attended 3 recently and wish to educate myself on this form of liturgy.

God Bless.

Date: Tue Mar 11 2014From: Vic BiorsethComment:

Carl:

Thank you; it was a labor of love.

Regards,

Vic

PS: I have corrected the typo in the Reference Material page; thank you for pointing it out. FYI, you may contact me at the bottom of any webpage on this website; it all comes to me. Blessings.

Date: Tue Jul 15 2014From: Vic BiorsethComment:

Changes pursuant to changing the website URL
and name from
Thinking Catholic Strategic
Center to
Catholic American Thinker.

Pulled the trigger on the 301 MOVE IT option
June 1, 2014. Working my way through all the webpages. .

When the host is consecrated, why do the altar servers lift up the tail of the priest's vestments?

Date: Mon Oct 27 2014From: Vic BiorsethComment:

Glenn47:

It's a practice continued from ancient times, begun with the earliest formal offerings of the Catholic Mass. The Chasuble is descended from an ancient Roman garment that was very heavy, very thick, very inflexible and quite restrictive of movement. It may have been a beautiful vestment, but impractical in some movements of the wearer. Genuflecting and rising, raising one's arms high, etc. Acolytes would assist the Priest by helping move the Chasuble for the Priest. So, today, it's just a hold over from an ancient tradition that remains in place.

Are there special graces or indulgences bestowed on those attending a Latin High Mass ?

In other words, graces / indulgences above what one would receive at a Novis Ordo Mass.

Date: Sun Nov 23 2014From: Vic BiorsethComment:

MJH:

No, in that regard it is the same as the Novus Ordo. Either form satisfies the requirement to participate in Sunday and Holy Day Mass.

For me, the Latin Mass is more attentive to God than to me; it is more fulfilling, for me, because I feel more like I am giving God His due, rather than going to "get something out of it". But, as a bonus, I do indeed get something out of it; it is more uplifting of the spirit.

Everything that is beautiful and majestic and God-oriented lifts the spirit and brings it closer to heaven than anything that is more community or man oriented. The Latin Mass is less of the world; the Novus Ordo is more worldly.

How about printing this complete with photos? I would buy a few as I'm sure others would too~ I am not computer savy and as the name implies to lazy to figure it out or I might do it myself~ very, very interesting and great work! If I had one of these booklets in my pocket I might give the latin Mass a try ~ what do you think? if you or another reader makes one please contact me ! Thanks again.

Date: Sun Jun 28 2015From: Vic BiorsethComment:

Lazy:

This webpage is for reading at home at a leisurely pace, to learn and understand before you go to Mass. What you are looking for is a Latin - English Missal. Put the words "Latin English Missal" in any search engine and you will find lots of different kinds available. Or, go to a Catholic book store or Church Supply store. The two Catholic Missals currently in use are for:

The Ordinary Form, which is the Novus Ordo (New Order) Mass of Pope Paul VI, available with Latin and English on opposing pages.

The Extraordinary Form, which is the 1962 Latin Mass of Pope John XXIII, available with Latin and English on opposing pages.

This webpage describes the Extraordinary Form Mass. Mass Missals are available that include all Daily, Sunday and Holy Day Masses, and shorter versions for only Sundays and Holy Days are also available. The Missals contain not only what you see in this webpage, but the Scripture readings for each specific day in the liturgical calendar, and also special readings for Saint days.

There are pamphlet versions called Missalettes published periodically to cover spans of dates, usually a whole liturgical year, available for use in the pews of just about any Catholic Church you are likely to find. You can pick up a Missalette, look up the day's date, follow along with the Mass for that specific day, and then leave the missalette there in the pew after Mass.

Your explanation of the Mass is beautiful. As a cradle Catholic, I stopped going to the New Mass with the advent of Communion-in-the-hand and Eucharistic Ministers. It just didn't make sense that what so recently had been sacrilegious, now was recommended. I prayed and, what seemed miraculous, I heard of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.

When he consecrated bishops I prayed again and, again miraculously, I happened on a book, "The Mother of the King" by Henry J. Coleridge, S.J. published in 1886, in which in the chapter 'The Mystery of the Twelfth Year,' he explains that Jesus disobeyed his parents. He certainly could have asked them to stay with Him if He just wanted to teach. Instead, He said, "I must be about my Father's business." Only God could come up with such way to teach perfection in disobedience.

That is why the Archbishop disobeyed the Pope. What could be more "God's business" than training priests and saving the Mass of All Time? Consequently, I have no problem supporting the SSPX.

What baffles me is the total absence of any mention of the Archbishop and his missionary Society in articles about the return of the Traditional Mass. Without the courage of one man that Mass would have been obliterated, but Christ kept His promise, "I will be with you until the end of the world."

Without the struggles of the SSPX I could not have attended a beautiful Tridentine Mass in Savannah, GA on Pentecost.

I am from Trinidad and Tobago, a country where the only mass a can find is of Pope Paul VI. What should I do in such a case?

Date: Wed Mar 21 2018From: Vic BiorsethComment:

Michael:

Go to Mass; it's a valid Mass. Meanwhile, make a formal request that a Latin Mass be made available in your diocese. On paper, at least, if Parishioners request the availability of a Latin Mass, the Bishop must provide one.

Regards,

Vic

Date: Sun Apr 08 2018From: Vic BiorsethComment:

Everyone:

I highly recommend the website http://divinumofficium.com/ for an on-line Latin Mass Missal. You can print off the Mass for any day, take it to Mass, and avoid flipping pages in your cumbersome Missal between the Readings and the Propers and so forth. It must have been a huge undertaking to get the whole thing in there, for every day of the Liturgical Year. It puts the whole Low Mass right there in its entirety, for any date. .

Regards,

Vic

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"We belong to the Church militant; and She is militant because on earth the powers of darkness are ever restless to encompass Her destruction. Not only in the far-off centuries of the early Church, but down through the ages and in this our day, the enemies of God and Christian civilization make bold to attack the Creator’s supreme dominion and sacrosanct human rights.”--Pope Pius XII

"It is not lawful to take the things of others to give to the poor. It is a sin worthy of punishment, not an act deserving a reward, to give away what belongs to others."--St. Francis of Assisi

Truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance
may deride it, but in the end, there it is.—Winston
Churchill

The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who
deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.—Ayn Rand

Atheist Genesis:

In the beginning there was nothing, and nothing happened to nothing.
And then nothing accidentally exploded and created everything.
And then some bits of everything accidentally encountered other bits of everything and formed some new kinds of everything.
And then some bits of everything accidentally arranged themselves into self-replicating bits of everything.
And then some self-replicating bits of everything accidentally arranged themselves into dinosaurs.
See?

“ … for I have sworn upon
the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind
of man.” wrote Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush in
the year of our Lord 1800. The context
involved resistance to any form of Christianity or Deism legally imposing
itself throughout the USA. We must wonder what he might say
about our current government's forced imposition of strict secularism – i.e.,
anti-theism – throughout the USA. I submit that legally enforced secularism of society, like theocracy, like Marxism,
and like Islam, is, precisely, a form of tyranny over the mind of man.Nothing good can come from the religious cleansing of Judaeo-Christian society. Government imposed secularism is just another form of theocracy.